I remember the big bosses as I fondly called them telling my dad and mom ‘You let that baby have whatever she wants’ (I thought this included all grocery stores) I still have the charm bracelet daddy gave me as a gift though tarnished and a bit rusty that bracelet hangs in a special place, when I look at it makes me happy and sad. I own a piece of history from Purity Grocer, but better yet I am ever so grateful for this history that my dad worked long days always cheerful and courteous. He knew the grocery business 9 ways from Sunday and I carry what he taught me close to my heart. All the employees were cheerful and nice. They used to put me in a box and slide me on the chain belt and someone would yell ‘Carry Out’ someone would be outside waiting for me to roll out. Lord I miss my dad, Purity, and Eureka. I wish I knew if anyone is still with us that worked for with my dad.
My Dad worked at the Eureka, McKinleyville, and Arcada stores in the early 60,s Also worked in Santa Rosa, Napa and Healdsburg stores. There were others that I can’t remember. He was an opening store manager then we moved on to another store. It was like being in the military. I went to 12 school in in 9 cities growing up.
“The Purity grocery store chain dissolved in the late 1970s. By then, many of the Purity stores were already closed, sold off or lost by the owner in various poker games.
Purity Stores were owned by the Niven family. When the founder passed away, the story I’m told is his son took over and some say, ran the grocery store chain into the ground. Fast cars, wine, women & various poker games were the new order of the day.
At one time, there were over 200-Purity Stores throughout Northern California, rivaling Safeway. Back then, wherever you saw a Safeway, there would usually be a Purity Store nearby.
There is one of the original Purity Stores still operating in Fort Bragg, California, on the Mendocino Coast. “
Patsy Hudsoeth
October 7, 2022 at 1:00pmI remember the big bosses as I fondly called them telling my dad and mom ‘You let that baby have whatever she wants’ (I thought this included all grocery stores) I still have the charm bracelet daddy gave me as a gift though tarnished and a bit rusty that bracelet hangs in a special place, when I look at it makes me happy and sad. I own a piece of history from Purity Grocer, but better yet I am ever so grateful for this history that my dad worked long days always cheerful and courteous. He knew the grocery business 9 ways from Sunday and I carry what he taught me close to my heart. All the employees were cheerful and nice. They used to put me in a box and slide me on the chain belt and someone would yell ‘Carry Out’ someone would be outside waiting for me to roll out. Lord I miss my dad, Purity, and Eureka. I wish I knew if anyone is still with us that worked for with my dad.
Steve
May 3, 2023 at 6:28pmMy father worked for the Santa Cruz Purity store until it closed.
Joe Bollig
May 15, 2023 at 2:14pmMy Dad worked at the Eureka, McKinleyville, and Arcada stores in the early 60,s Also worked in Santa Rosa, Napa and Healdsburg stores. There were others that I can’t remember. He was an opening store manager then we moved on to another store. It was like being in the military. I went to 12 school in in 9 cities growing up.
Tom Quinn
April 6, 2023 at 10:33amLooking for some information on the Lakeport Purity, the location of which has been a parking lot for many years.
Joe Bollig
May 15, 2023 at 2:46pm“The Purity grocery store chain dissolved in the late 1970s. By then, many of the Purity stores were already closed, sold off or lost by the owner in various poker games.
Purity Stores were owned by the Niven family. When the founder passed away, the story I’m told is his son took over and some say, ran the grocery store chain into the ground. Fast cars, wine, women & various poker games were the new order of the day.
At one time, there were over 200-Purity Stores throughout Northern California, rivaling Safeway. Back then, wherever you saw a Safeway, there would usually be a Purity Store nearby.
There is one of the original Purity Stores still operating in Fort Bragg, California, on the Mendocino Coast. “